Kuala Lumpur: Kim Kyoung-min has been named the women's AFC Assistant Referee of the Year ahead of the strong challenge of Malaysian official Widiya Habibah Binti Shamsuri and Cui Yongmei from China.

The award is given to the official that has accumulated the most points based on their performances in AFC and FIFA matches and Kim earned the international accolade for her assured displays at the women's football tournament of the 2012 Olympics when she assisted compatriot Hong Eun-ah as hosts Great Britain defeated Cameroon 3-0 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and in the 2-2 draw between eventual bronze medallists Canada at Sweden in Newcastle.

The 32-year-old Korean, who has been an assistant referee at the last three AFC Women's Asian Cup tournaments, also ran the line at three matches in the first round of qualifiers for the 2013 AFC Women's Championship.

"This award is very encouraging for me. I am trying my best to make myself fit enough to be more professional in my work next year," said Kim after receiving the AFC Women's Assistant Referee of the Year award from AFC Executive Committee Member Mahfuza Akhter Kiron.

"Exercise is what we need to make sure we are up for this job, which is really tough but I am enjoying it."